Social Media was set buzzing on Monday evening after Nigerians took to their various social media platforms to humorously express their opinions about the high level of fake products which has proliferated the Nigerian market.
While sharing their thoughts about these products, some of these users expressed their fears about these anomaly as they shared various samples of products on the markets and their variations against the original product samples.
They also lamented the effects of these products which are all highly consumed by Nigerians.
Recall that popular Nigerian artiste, Buju Benson, on the 17th of December, 2023, voiced his concerns regarding the prevalence of adulterated and fake alcoholic beverages being sold in clubs, shedding light on the potential health hazards and financial losses faced by patrons.
The singer expressed his frustration with the situation, emphasising the substantial amounts spent on what he referred to as “overpriced drinks.”
In a plea to establishments, Buju lamented the adverse effects of consuming fake drinks, stating, “Stop selling us fake drinks after spending so much money on the overpriced drinks. You are killing us.”
The artist called for increased accountability, urging club owners to prioritize the well-being and financial security of their patrons.
They emphasized the importance of consumer rights, highlighting the significance of health and financial concerns alike.
He declared, “Respect my health, respect my money. Give me what I pay for. If you don’t have it, don’t bring a fake one!”
Promising action, Buju issued a stern warning to future venues that might perpetuate this practice. He declared, “The next club or lounge that does this to me, I promise I will take that microphone from the hypeman and let you know!”
Similarly, a tweep identified as @unwiltedFK, while sharing a 29 seconds video of a fake manufacturer of the Milo beverage, tweeted, “Wetin be this one again
😭Even milo na fake, everything fake.Even the relationship wey you dey na fake”.
Also @Fajitakelly, while sharing an old picture of the men of the Nigerian Police uncovering a fake local Malta Guinness manufacturer, also shared images of fake Malta Guinness in circulation on the Nigerian market, while also sharing a picture of the original drink.
She tweeted, “SEE WHAT WE HAVE BEEN CONSUMING EVERYDAY WHERE THEY CAME FROM
They buy a truck of Malta Guinness from Guinness. In a pack of 24, they remove 12 and replace it with 12 fake cans of the ones they produced.The originals are the ones on the outer side of the pack, while the fake”.
While sharing another product, the popular ‘four cousin’s, drink, a tweep identified as @Fergies’Boy, tweeted
“so now we have four cousins, four brothers, nice cousins, and now my brothers?😂😂”.
In his tweet, he shared an image of a fake ‘four cousins drink’, on sale at a supermarket shelf, the label on the drink was an obvious variation from the original drink.
See image below
Another product which was humorously talked about was ‘Postinor 2’, which is used by many to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
A tweep identified as @Emlord, tweeted,” Some people thinks the postinor 2 works.Not knowing they’re infertile”.
@BenX, while humorously condemning the high level of fake sniper in circulation tweeted,”Imagine being frustrated with life and you decide to commit suicide, but end up drinking fake snipper.Instead of killing you, the snipper gives you strong erection.”
Another tweep identified as @Spoiltkid, also shared images of fake sniper in circulation.
A tweep identified as @TheGreatest shared various images of fake products on the Nigerian market, these products can easily be identified given the discrepancies on their labels which is different from the original ones.
See images below
While Nigerians call on the government and other relevant agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to go the extra mile to combat the prevalence of fake products in the Nigerian market.
Recall that NAFDAC on Monday intercepted counterfeiters involved in the production of a variety of fake beverages including wines, soft drinks, and other products in the Eziukwu market in Aba, Abia state.
According to the DG of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the street value of the confiscated and destroyed fake products is estimated at over N750,000,000.
She noted that the counterfeiters engaged in various illicit activities, producing a range of adulterated products.
These included different types of wine, spanning numerous brands such as Seaman Schnapps, Hennessy, Four Cousins, Carlo Rossi, Jenney, Chelsea London Dry Gin, Schnapp Dry Gin, McDowell’s, Black Labels, Gordon’s, Martell, Campari, Smirnoff Ice, Eva non-alcoholic drink, Evra non-alcoholic drink, Cartel, among several others.
“There is also date revalidation for expired products like peak milk, powdered milk, ketchup, yoghurt, coca-cola products, and packaging of fake and substandard products, which are later sold to unsuspecting members of the public for consumption.
“Because of the extensive operation, the agency raided over 240 shops- turned factories where the harmful products were being produced and marketed.
“The shops-turned-factories are very filthy, using water from very unhygienic sources, harmful chemicals, saccharin, colouring, dirty recycled bottles, and cloned packaging materials of other brands.
“The adulteration of alcoholic beverages by criminal elements in the country is done by mixing of cheaper sources of sugar and starch besides grapes or fruit, among other harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption,” she stated.
She highlighted the destruction of more than 1,500 cartons of counterfeit and substandard products during the operation, with an additional 300 cartons transported to the NAFDAC warehouse.
“The street value of the confiscated and destroyed fake products is estimated at over N750,000,000. Ten people were arrested on arrival at the scene of the crime and will be charged in court after a thorough investigation.
“Due to the sheer magnitude of illegality going on in the section of the market, NAFDAC had to shut the entire market down for thorough regulatory activity until an agreement was reached with all stakeholders in the market and undertaken signed that the market will never be used for such nefarious activities anymore,” she said.
She cautioned that consuming adulterated alcohol could result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, blue-tinged or pale skin, irregular or slow breathing, low body temperature, unconsciousness, or loss of consciousness.
“It can also lead to kidney and liver failure or even death. Methanol, a substance which can be used in fake vodka, may cause permanent blindness,” she said.
